threat vectors

Three common types of software make you more vulnerable than you realize. While complete and thorough vulnerability management is next to impossible, a few simple steps go a long way toward reducing risk. Download this ebook to discover what steps to take to begin evolving away from patch management toward software and vulnerability management.
The hidden threat in securing your infrastructure from vulnerabilities lies with IT’s difficulty in managing third-party software.
2017 was billed as the worst on record for cybersecurity. No doubt, the continued rise of modern threat vectors has IT on high alert. In essence, IT professionals view their role as responsible for keeping the door shut. However, even with IT administrators keenly aware that most exploits can be averted simply by keeping the environment current, the task is no small feat and often isn’t done as well as it needs to be.

When it comes to securing all the parts of a modern distributed network, endpoints remain
the most vulnerable outlier. Mobility has brought a flood of different devices that cross in and
out of enterprise networks on a daily basis. This public exposure, combined with inadequate
traditional endpoint security and a high degree of user autonomy, makes these devices
prime targets for malware infections and other forms of sophisticated attack that seek to
exploit the broader organization. And threat actors are finding enormous success along
these vectors.
To stay competitive, most organizations are currently embracing digital transformation
(DX)—including cloud services, smart Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and greater mobility.
These adaptations provide organizations with faster and more seamless access to critical
information, regardless of the device being used to access it. However, as distributed
networks expand and become more difficult to manage, the endpoint remains a weak link i

There is no question that security attacks targeting your organization will continue to grow and evolve. The question is, how can you respond to malware and other risks without unnecessarily constraining your workforce? How can you get beyond the fear and anxiety that leads to excessive prohibition, prevention, blocking, and excluding – so that you can use security technology to both protect and empower people?
The answer is with a multi-layered defense – one that uses advanced security technologies and sophisticated operational practices in combination to cover the full spectrum of threat vectors. This solution brief explores the growing importance of multi-layered defense in today’s fast-changing web environment, and key considerations in implementing an effective multi-layered defense strategy.

Akamai’s Threat Research team analyzed a week of cross-site scripting (xss) alert triggers to gain clarity on the nature of xss attacks. Read this case study to learn which vectors are vulnerable and specific techniques that were employed during remote resource injection exploitation attempts versus simple probing requests.

As the threat landscape evolves, so must our security controls and countermeasures. Recent research
from F5 Labs revealed that applications are the initial targets in the majority of breaches, suggesting
that any app can be an attack vector. Cybercriminals are moving their tactics further up the stack using
sophisticated application-layer exploits, as well as an emerging wave of automated, bot, and IoTbased
threats that are quite capable of evading simple signature or reputation-based detection.
Yet, the majority of WAFs on the market today have remained largely unchanged, leaving the applayer
exposed, unable to proactively monitor and protect against evolving attack vectors.

As the threat landscape evolves, so must our security controls and countermeasures. Recent research
from F5 Labs revealed that applications are the initial targets in the majority of breaches, suggesting
that any app can be an attack vector. Cybercriminals are moving their tactics further up the stack using
sophisticated application-layer exploits, as well as an emerging wave of automated, bot, and IoTbased
threats that are quite capable of evading simple signature or reputation-based detection.
Yet, the majority of WAFs on the market today have remained largely unchanged, leaving the applayer
exposed, unable to proactively monitor and protect against evolving attack vectors.

Despite increased awareness and focus on defending against targeted attacks from both business and security leaders, organizations continue to be breached and suffer the consequences. Many of today’s security investments are simply not aligned to defend against these targeted threat vectors. Advanced threat detection and response should not be a point solution but rather a combination of technologies and core competencies. Detecting and responding to advanced threats should involve tight integration of multiple security technologies, network analysis and visibility (NAV) tools, the ability to automatically generate content such as security rules and signatures, context on attacker history, and overall customization and flexibility to ensure that the solution is fine-tuned for your specific IT environment.

The new generation of mobile devices, applications, and cloud services significantly improve agency efficiencies. Tasks that were once relegated to timeconsuming deskwork, are now performed in the field, and with improved accuracy. Because of this, more and more public safety agencies are adopting these new technologies.
One purpose of the FBI’s CJIS Security Policy is to enable agencies to fully leverage mobile devices, but without sacrificing security. Mobile devices introduce a variety of new threat vectors and risks. Careful consideration of these risks is important to maintaining information security. Threats to mobile devices stem mainly from their size, portability, and available wireless interfaces. Examples of mobile device threats include:
• Loss or theft of device
• Unauthorized access to device
• Mobile operating system vulnerabilities
• Communication over untrusted networks
• Malware or malicious Apps
• Jailbreak or rooting activity
• Data loss through user behaviors

Today, a range of diverse cyber-adversaries — including nation-states, cybercriminals, competitors, hacktivists, and insiders/contractors — pose financial, reputational and regulatory risk to industrial and critical infrastructure organizations.
The business impact can include costly production downtime, safety failures, and environmental release of hazardous materials, as well as theft of corporate secrets such as sensitive information about formulas and proprietary manufacturing processes.
The challenge is compounded as organizations adopt digitization initiatives and IT/OT convergence to support the business — removing any “air-gaps” that may have existed in the past.
To help security and operations teams stay ahead of the latest ICS/SCADA threats, CyberX — the industrial cybersecurity company founded by military cyber experts with nation-state experience securing critical infrastructure — has partnered with SANS to create educational content about emerging ICS threat vectors and

Today's threat landscape has never been more challenging for federal agencies. Governments face a growing torrent of cyber attacks that are growing increasingly sophisticated, stealthy, and dangerous. Legacy signature-based solutions and file-based sandbox analysis cannot detect these advanced attacks, let alone stop them. Without advanced identification and remediation tools, agencies can go weeks or even months before discovering system breaches - long after the damage is done.
This paper outlines:
The malware ""kill-chain"" model used in today's advanced attacks;
What capabilities federal agencies need to combat advanced threats;
A reimagined approach to IT security.

Never before have state and local governments been expected to do so much with so little. Even as budgets remain tight in a post-recession environment, tech-savvy citizens demand higher levels of service, they want to pay taxes by credit card, renew their driver's license online, and check traffic from their smartphone.
These responsibilities make cyber security critical for state agencies, municipalities, and public utilities. Governments possess residents' most sensitive information - including inviolable personal data such as Social Security numbers and birth certificates.
This white paper highlights:
Why traditional tools fail to detect advanced attacks;
Gaining a cohesive, correlated view of all major threat vectors;
How to leverage signature-less, real-time security that thwarts zero-Day attacks.

Cyber attacks are growing more sophisticated and, more often than not, target small and midsize businesses (SMBs). One unlucky click - a malicious email attachment, a link to a legitimate but compromised website - could result in a costly data breach that drains your bank account and customer trust.
This paper explains targeted attacks and examines reasons cyber attackers are aiming at small and midsize businesses, including:
Value of your data;
Low risk and high returns for criminals;
Why SMBs are easier targets.

Whether they work for an up-and-coming startup or an industry giant, security response teams are under siege as never before. Today's cyber attacks are sophisticated, relentless, and devastating, costing U.S. businesses $8.9 million a year each on average. Attacking in multiple stages across multiple vectors, advanced persistent threats (APTs) and other sophisticated attacks easily evade signature-based detection and other traditional defenses.
Thiswhite paper describes:
The 10 most common mistakes, strategic and technical, that incident response teams make;
The effect of these mistakes and how to avoid them with a well-defined incident response plan.

Today's cyber attacks have changed radically from just a few years ago. No longer are they the sole province of opportunistic crooks, online vandals and digitial ""hacktivists."" Today, advanced cyber attacks are the weapon of choice for organized criminal enterprises and nation-states.
This white paper highlights:
Why organizations need much more than fundamental security tools;
Strategies for dealing with advanced targeted attacks.

If information is the lifeblood of today's digital economy, data centers are the heart. These mini-metropolises of silicon, metal, and cable are as essential to modern business as steel, motors, and coal were to the last great industrial revolution. In addition to their vital role in most business processes, data centers are the building blocks of emerging trends such as Big Data, global collaboration, and even bring-your-own-device (BYOD).
The white paper describes:
The widening gap between the offensive capabilities of today's cyber attackers and the weak traditional defenses deployed in most data centers;
How organizations can better protect data centers.

From sophisticated new forms of malware to nation-state sponsored attacks and the advanced persistent threat, cybersecurity incidents have evolved at a rapid pace and are taking down entire networks, successfully stealing sensitive data and costing organizations millions to remediate.
In this white paper this report, you'll receive a comprehensive overview of survey results and expert analysis on:
The top security threats for global organizations in 2013;
The largest gaps in organization's detection and response to threats;
How these gaps will be filled in the coming year - new staff, tools or services;
What organizations must do to stay ahead of these advanced threats.

Cloud computing, virtualization and social networking have several things in common - they create new threat vectors that can leave companies vulnerable to new types of attacks. Read on to learn how to prevent new attacks by getting back to basics.

Threat intelligence done right is a window into the world of your adversary. Vendors and service providers are aiming to empower organizations by alerting them to the specific threat vectors and attacks they face, as well as how they should be prioritized for protection and prevention. Download this whitepaper which gives you an overview of 11 things for organization to consider when evaluating and selecting a threat intelligence solution.

Threat intelligence done right is a window into the world of your adversary. Vendors and service providers are aiming to empower organizations by alerting them to the specific threat vectors and attacks they face, as well as how they should be prioritized for protection and prevention. Download this whitepaper which gives you an overview of 11 things for organization to consider when evaluating and selecting a threat intelligence solution.

NSS Labs performed rigorous testing of McAfee Endpoint Security v10.5 across a multitude of attack threat vectors targeting a very dynamic enterprise class endpoint attack surface. In addition, McAfee Endpoint Security v10.5 was evaluated for it's resistance against several evasion categories and false positive testing. This test was conducted free of charge and NSS did not receive any compensation in return for McAfee's participation. Download a complimentary copy ($750 value) of this NSS Labs individual test report that provides detailed information not available elsewhere.

Hacktavists have made the move to mobile. Malware, phishing and network attacks are now as likely to strike smartphones and tablets like any other system. Mobile Threat Management is now needed to stay ahead of new vectors of vicious intent.

System vulnerabilities, ransomware, malware, intrusions, and other malicious activities are on the rise, showing that today’s cybersecurity professionals are hard-pressed to keep enterprises secure. Although threats are growing in sophistication and attack vectors are expanding, many of the intrusions and cyber attacks happening today are simply a result of improper protections being put in place, systems going unpatched, or weak security policies. While much of the blame is being placed on cybersecurity professionals, the real blame should often be placed upon the tools and policies that many of those professionals have come to trust and the complexity that comes with them.

This white paper examines the DDoS threat spectrum including conventional network attacks, HTTP and SSL floods, and an emerging wave of low-bandwidth threats, plus the new threat vectors likely to target emerging service platforms.

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